A Lowell woman proved just how much of a difference one person can make. Nearly two decades ago, Sherri Laffey Sarrouf started a fitness team to raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

"First, I only had four little kids,” Sarrouf said. “I just asked my friends’ kids and said, ‘Hey do you guys want to be on a fitness team?’"

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Her plan was to promote wellness and hold performances, donating proceeds to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

"The kids loved it, the audience loved it, and everyone said, ‘You know what, we didn't know anything about St. Jude.’ Nineteen years ago there (were) no commercials like there (are) now, and it kind of just grew from there," Sarrouf said.

The first year, the team raised $5,000. Last year, it raised $500,000, providing lifesaving funds for children like Jordyn Boucher, from New Hampshire, who is part of the current St. Jude Performance Team.

Her mother, Tracey Sukduang, said St. Jude saved her daughter’s life.

"It was nothing short of a miracle, really," Sukduang said.

Boucher was diagnosed with a severe form of leukemia when she was 15 months old. She was treated but relapsed at the age of 4, and then again when she was 8. Doctors said nothing could be done, until she qualified for a clinical trial at St. Jude. Now 16, Boucher doesn't remember first walking into the Memphis hospital, but has a clear memory of walking out.

Now every Saturday, she and the rest of the performance team look forward to practice at SLS Fitness in Lowell. Twelve-year-old Elijah Sarrouf is one of the approximately 120 kids who are proud to take part.

"This is really meaningful, I'm actually doing something in the world," he said.

Teammate Ryan Bushnell said the dancing is fun, and so is the fundraising. He said his friends and family are happy to help.

"They think it's awesome, so it's not like it's like a drag to ask them for money," he said.